Imagine a world where sports and fitness are inclusive of all. The Move8 VR Walk-a-Hunt, a part of the AFT International Sports & Fitness Festival wants to foster Friendship, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sport, Fitness and Wellness.
Will you take up the challenge and see if you can solve the nuggets of clues left along the way? A 3-KM route awaits with clues planted along the streets of Sydney’s Chinatown, famed for delicious Yum Cha brunches, cream puffs, fruit and vegetable markets to curio, fashion and jewellery shops. Streets named Hay, Dixon, Sussex, Goulburn make up the boundaries of this 100-year-old gem of a district.
Companies are encouraged to sign up for the Corporate Pledge sponsorship package which aims to bring co-workers together to have fun, keep fit and work together as a team to do good. Register your group: https://www.sportsfitnessfestival.com/corporate.
We’re looking to sign on creative and innovative first movers to take on this experience, with many more to come! You will also be filmed so bring out your smile and largess. We’d love to welcome you!
Dementia Australia honours renowned broadcaster and Dementia Australia Patron Sir Michael Parkinson CBE, affectionately known as Parky, following his passing at the age of 88.
In honour of his mother, Freda Rose, who lived with vascular dementia, Sir Michael was a valued supporter of Dementia Australia and the former Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. In 2010, he was appointed as Honorary International Ambassador, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and in 2017 accepted the role of Patron Dementia Australia.
(L-R) In 2011, Dementia Australia Patrons Sir Michael Parkinson CBE and Ita Buttrose AC OBE surrounded by former Ambassadors PJ Lane and The Hon Maxine McKew AM and Dementia Australia Ambassadors Natarsha Belling and Doris Younane.
As Patron Dementia Australia and an Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Sir Michael generously contributed to raising awareness and vital funds by sharing about the impact of dementia on his mother and his family.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM acknowledged Sir Michael’s extraordinary support in Australia, the United Kingdom and around the world for raising awareness about dementia.
(L-R) Dementia Australia Patron Sir Michael Parkinson CBE and Master of Ceremonies and Dementia Australia Ambassador Natarsha Belling, NSW Parliament House event 2011.
“Since 2010 he was guest speaker at a number of significant Dementia Australia fundraising events, appeared in our Fight Dementia television advertisement in 2011, often shared his experience in media interviews, supported Memory Walk & Jog campaigns and other important fundraising activity,” Ms McCabe said.
“Sir Michael’s committed and far-reaching advocacy has made a profound and lasting difference to the lives of people of all ages living with dementia, their families and carers in Australia and around the world.
Dementia Australia Patron Sir Michael Parkinson CBE, NSW Parliament House event 2011.
“He was so gracious and generous and we are so honoured and grateful to have had his support.
Fellow Dementia Australia Patron and Chair of ABC Ita Buttrose AC OBE recognised Sir Michael’s invaluable influence.
“I had the privilege of being interviewed by him and interviewing him for television and for Dementia Australia,” Ms Buttrose said.
“Michael was the most generous of supporters. He was incredibly giving with his time and sharing his personal experience to help others.
(L-R) Dementia Australia Patrons Sir Michael Parkinson CBE and Ita Buttrose AC OBE and Dementia Australia Ambassador The Hon John Watkins AM.
“Nothing was ever too much trouble for him.
“Like everyone whose lives have been impacted by dementia, he knew what his advocacy work meant, and he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds.”
Dementia Australia Newsletter – 2011.
Dementia Australia Newsletter – 2011.
A group of Dementia Australia staff sent Sir Michael Parkinson CBE a thank you photo after one the many successful fundraising events.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.5 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contacts: Megan Jones, Media & Communications Advisor, 0411 461 678, megan.jones@dementia.org.au
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
Fitness is a thriving sector in Australia. The country has quickly become one of the top destinations, for individuals wanting to further their education. Sport, whether for recreation or health and fitness, has become an inseparable part of Australian culture. The fitness industry is continuously growing, and this is reflected in the demand for fitness jobs over the last few years. Because of their love of sports, Australian institutions are an excellent fit for international students who want to learn about the science of exercise and sports.
If you want to further your education and career in fitness, keep reading to learn why studying in Australia is the best choice for you.
Diverse programme selections
One of the many benefits of studying fitness in Australia is the variety of programmes offered by Australian institutions. With these diverse options, individuals can choose a programme that aligns with their interests and goals.
Six of the top 100 universities in the world are located in Australia, including some of the top universities that offer various fitness programmes. Individuals interested in becoming personal trainers can take courses specialising in personal training, while those interested in recreational sports can take a diploma in sport and recreation. This variety enables students to select a course that best meets their interests and career objectives. Moreover, completing an exercise and sports science diploma can lead to a variety of professional pathways both in Australia and abroad.
Dundee Kim seated left, with his team at Fit Education Australia.
Top-notch education
Home to a world-class educational system, Australia has built a reputation for offering high-quality education to the fitness industry, among others. As a result, Australia’s fitness programmes are well regarded on a national and international level, and this recognition has assisted many graduates in finding jobs related to their subjects of study.
Furthermore, the Australian fitness sector is quite competitive and demands a high level of knowledge and professionalism. As a result, the courses provided in Australia are designed to address these needs and provide graduates with the knowledge and abilities they need to be successful in the field.
Nearly 100 courses from 25 Australian institutes are accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), the professional organisation dedicated to creating, promoting, and maintaining the careers of tertiary-trained exercise and sports science professionals. This is to ensure that exercise and sports science courses meet a high standard of excellence.
Dundee’s Boxing Gym Brisbane, where you can train with champions
Modern infrastructure with a vast network
From small gyms in the alleyways to big personal training studios, the fitness industry in Australia is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Many gyms and fitness centres include various equipment and facilities, such as cardio machines, weight machines, and group exercise programmes. There are also numerous fitness plans and applications available online. The programmes offer personalised workout plans and diet recommendations that cater to people with specific needs.
In addition, many established companies, such as Dundee and Fit Education, are investing in the fitness industry, providing networking and employment opportunities for graduates. The industry events, seminars, and workshops these establishments organise allow individuals to network and learn from professionals in the field. Networking is vital for individuals just beginning their fitness careers as it may lead to future employment opportunities.
Dundee Kim and team at Fit Education Australia
Growing fitness industry
The fitness industry in Australia is a vibrant and vital component of the Australian economy. Over the last few years, the industry has grown significantly, with a number of new fitness facility chains established nationwide. This comprises smaller fitness studios, indoor and outdoor personal training facilities, health clubs, fitness centres, and fitness franchises.
These businesses offer various fitness and exercise services, including personal training, classes, memberships, and casual gym use. Australians spend an estimated $8.5 billion annually on fitness-related products and services, with the fitness sector alone bringing in $3 billion for the country’s economy. This growth has also resulted in an increase in the number of fitness events, seminars, and workshops, allowing individuals to thrive in this booming industry.
The takeaway
A fitness career can be both interesting and lucrative. The future also appears promising, with studies predicting a 16% increase in fitness jobs by 2024. With such high demand, you must have a solid foundation in the industry. This is where a good fitness education programme comes in. Attending the best fitness institutions in Australia may give prospective personal trainers the resources, knowledge, and abilities they need to succeed in the fitness business.
Dundee Kim pictured wtih Australian Boxer, Jeff Horn.
Text and Photos contributed by Dundee Kim, Founder of Fit Education Australia.
Initially learning the art of boxing to protect himself from bullies, Dundee Kim eventually harnessed his skills to become a two-time amateur boxing champion in South Korea. From there he migrated to Australia to become the Associate Director of International Relations, and then the Regional Director of International Relations at James Cook University. He eventually became the founder of Dundee’s Boxing & Fitness gym in Brisbane.
A Fitness Today creates impact in communities by making sports and fitness more accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, newly arrived migrants and refugees, women and girls and people with a physical or mental disability.
Sydney, Australia, 25 August 2023 – Go International Group Dotcom, publisher of impact sports and fitness digital platform A Fitness Today (AFT), today announced the inaugural AFT International Sports Fitness Festival, nicknamed SpoFiFe, kicking off in three cities:
Bukit Bintang – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 24 September,
Sydney Haymarket, NSW, Australia on 30 September,
Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia from 4-5 November 2023.
The sporting extravaganza aims to bring together over 100 hours of Sports, Fitness and Wellness experiences under one virtual roof across the region, partnering with city councils, tourism bodies, business retailers including small business vendors and community sporting groups with a focus on promoting racial harmony and promoting inclusion in sports.
A unique feature of this festival is its Sport Inclusion programmes for persons with disabilities and youth with neuro diversity. The festival fosters Friendship, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sport, Fitness and Wellness, while paying respects First Nations Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander traditions.
Port Macquarie will be abuzz with activities this first weekend of November, including:
A 7KM walkathon with a virtual reality twist
A sports and fitness expo and a variety of activities
A health and beauty fair
Health talks and workshops led by experts in the field
Experiential activities for all ages, including a youth festival
A Eat for Good Secret Supper fundraiser featuring guest entertainers
The AFT International Sports & Fitness Festival presents an opportunity for all to get active, learn about healthy living, and have fun. We encourage everyone to participate in-person or virtually, as the events will be live-streamed from A Fitness Today’s YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@aft-tv/streams.
“We are excited to reveal the AFT International Sports Fitness Festival because the time is now for sports tourism events and we are so thankful to partners like Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the City of Sydney and the Network of Bukit Bintang Communities of Kuala Lumpur,” said Sydney-based event organiser Jasmine Low and Malaysian counterpart Nikki Yeo, who is also a founding board member of Society of Exercise is Medicine Malaysia.
“SpoFiFe is a great opportunity for people from all walks of lives to come together and enjoy sporting activities in a non-competitive and safe environment, try different or new things, use technology like VR to experience Port Macquarie, sign-on as a volunteer and simply take the opportunity to be fit for good, chimed the duo, co-founders of A Fitness Today (AFT) both speaking from having lived experience as carer and fitness coach.
Watersport enthusiast and advocate for a water sports centre in Bank Street for paddlers and local residents to access Sydney Harbour, Raymond Tai, also Chairman of the Darling Square Community Bank Branch – Bendigo Bank, a venue partner of the Sydney edition added, “The event provides a welcoming space especially for new arrivals to Australia to meet people from all backgrounds. Australia’s diversity is like none other, and we can’t wait to host you in-person or virtually.
Sign up and take part in the VR walk and hunt during the City of Sydney’s closure of Haymarket to traffic on 30th September. Come outdoors and learn something new about Sydney’s Chinatown and the MidSummer Lantern Festival,”.
The festival’s ‘Fit for Good’ and ‘Eat for Good’ call benefits non-profit partners like:
All Together Now (ATN) promotes racial harmony and racial equity in Australia and will be incorporating educational tools on the inclusion of people of culturally and linguistically different backgrounds.
The Mental Wheels Foundation, through its The Situp Challenge (raisely.com) beginning on 1st of September, wants to improve the mental and physical state of a person and make a difference for those in need within the community. It’s time to sit up as the issue of suicide won’t lay down.
The 7th Commonwealth Youth Games and the first in the Caribbean kicked off in a carnival style at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad.
In a ceremony bursting with colour and energy, more than 1,000 athletes from around 70 Commonwealth Nations and Territories were welcomed to the first Youth Games since 2017.
Famous for their appearance at Carnival time, the Kiddies Carnival Kings and Queens performed alongside a youth steel pan side, while spectators enjoyed tassa and tamboo bamboo stands within the stadium.
Following the traditional parade of nations, there was a demonstration of the sports being played during the Games. Each sport was represented by an incredible Moko Jumbie, designed to not only glisten in the sunlight, but also show movement similar to the sport.
Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games told athletes in her opening address: “I truly hope you seize the moment and enjoy this Caribbean carnival of inspiring competition, personal development and global friendship.”
“You are diverse, unique and equal members of one big sporting family and especially in this Commonwealth Year of Youth – we will celebrate each and every one of you.”
Closing the festivities Trinidad and Tobago-born group, Freetown Collective performed the theme song ‘Stay Ready’ created especially for the Youth Games.
Diane Henderson, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA), and the local Organising Committee, said: “What you saw today is a combined volunteer effort led by us here in Trinidad and Tobago and aided by persons from around the world.”
“I think as a nation, we can stand up and say proudly we are Trinbago 2023. Now, the work really begins as the real stars of the show take to the field over the next few days.”
From 4-11 August athletes will participate in Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics, Cycling (Road Race, Time Trial, and Track) and Triathlon, as well as Rugby Sevens and Beach Volleyball.
Netball’s shorter, faster format, FAST5, makes its debut at the Youth Games with eight women’s teams competing for a medal.
A fully integrated Para-Athletics programme will also make its first appearance at the Games with athletes competing in six medal events (three women’s and three men’s events).
The Youth Games are an established pathway towards the Commonwealth Games, and other major senior sporting events, providing an opportunity to showcase the stars of the future.
The countdown to opening night gains pace with the 10th Anniversary Premium Content Series launched on August 9, 2023.
Six programs of Desert Song Festival performances by a global family of exceptional artists will be featured in August, September, October and December 2023, and in February 2024, via a dedicated platform: https://www.desertsongdigital.com/#/home.
THE FIRST PROGRAM, DISCOVERING DSF – August 2023, IS FREE! and will also be available on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DesertSongFestival. Check it out and get in the mood for the 10th Anniversary festival. The other five are available at $20 for individual netcasts or $80 for the entire subscription. Details of broadcast dates will be published after Program #1 becomes available.
AUGUST 2023: MAIN ATTRACTION SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR
“A stunning performance that’s uplifting, energising, and life-affirming” – Scenestr
“Uplifting harmonies that fill your soul” – Play and Go Adelaide
This musical powerhouse has been spreading sheer joy to audiences across the globe for nearly two decades with their powerful blend of African Gospel, Freedom Songs, and international classics.
Since their first visit in 2011, Alice Springs has become one of their favourite destinations. They are returning – for their fifth visit for the 10th anniversary of the Desert Song Festival to present their brand-new concert HOPE at two sessions on Saturday 16th September at the Araluen Arts Centre @ 3pm and 7.30pm. In the past, these concerts have been fully sold out, so the organisers urge enthusiasts to book their tickets as soon as possible for one of the iconic entertainment events of the year Central Australia: https://www.desertsong.com.au/soweto-gospel-choir-3/
HOPE celebrates songs and anthems from the Freedom Movement of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa, and the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King’s America. HOPE is a concert that will sing forever in your hearts! In these concerts, the Soweto Gospel will collaborate with the NIMA award-winning Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir with whom they have developed a close relationship since first meeting these songwomen in 2011.
The highly anticipated Commonwealth Youth Games kicked off with Lauren Bates of Australia winning the first gold medal of the Games in the Women’s Cycling – Time Trial. Hosted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the energy-sapping race saw Bates scorch around the 10km course in 14:09.31, with compatriot, Keira Will, taking silver and Ruby Oakes of Isle of Man the bronze medal. “It’s amazing. It’s insane. I’m so stoked to come away with a medal and seeing all the other nations here as well, it’s so cool. Learning all the cultures, it’s such a good experience,” said Bates.
Miles Bailey Liebenberg, from South Africa just pipped Scotland’s Elliot Rowe to the men’s title, winning by 3.39s in a time of 19:17.62 over the 15km course.
“I made sure to pace myself. It was really hot, so I kept myself and my core temperature cool and from then I didn’t know what to expect, just pace myself and I’m happy to take the win,” said Liebenberg.
Australia claimed another medal on a successful day for their team, with Will Heath picking up the bronze medal.
Young athletes from 68 Commonwealth Nations and Territories have gathered across the twin islands to showcase their talent and sportsmanship. A stepping stone for future sporting champions, the Youth Games provides a platform for talented youth athletes aged 14 to 18 to test their skills and abilities on an international stage.
This year’s edition promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable, in the Games’ history, with seven sports being contested – Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics and Para Athletics, Cycling (Road and Track), Triathlon, FAST5 Netball, Rugby Sevens, and Beach Volleyball.
Over in Tobago, the beautiful beach of Black Rock hosted the start of the Beach Volleyball competition where defending women’s champions Australia and men’s champions England kicked off their title defences.
Rwanda, who won their first-ever medal at a Games and Youth Games, when they secured bronze in the Women’s Beach Volleyball in 2017, were also in action on Day One.
CGF CEO, Katie Sadleir, commented: “After last night’s dazzling Opening Ceremony, it was fantastic to see the Sport Programme get underway today, with the Cycling Individual Time Trial and the beginning of the Beach Volleyball competition at the stunning Black Rock. We are immensely proud of all who took part today and especially Lauren Bates and Miles Bailey Liebenberg for winning the first gold medals of Trinbago 2023.” As the opening day concludes, the focus now shifts to Day Two, where the excitement continues with the start of the Swimming, Triathlon and Rugby Sevens, as well as the continuation of the Beach Volleyball.
For more information and updates visit: Trinbago2023.com and follow their social posts #trinbago2023
Sports and Fitness Taiwan, also known as TaiSPO, is being organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and is scheduled to take place at Hall 2 of Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from March 6 to 9, 2024. This highly anticipated exhibition will showcase a wide array of sports, fitness, and outdoor leisure products, bringing together manufacturers, service providers, and brand operators from both domestic and international markets.
TaiSPO holds a prominent position as the industry’s leading B2B exhibition and sales platform, facilitating interactions, communication, and collaboration among sports and fitness industry players, while also enabling them to enhance their market presence. Exhibitors are encouraged to take advantage of the early bird discount, which will be available until September 30 this year. We cordially invite businesses to register for this remarkable event. TaiSPO holds the distinction of being the longest-running sports and fitness industry exhibition in Taiwan. Following the lifting of pandemic-related border restrictions in 2023, the first exhibition drew an impressive turnout, with over 1,200 international buyers from 61 countries and more than 6,000 domestic visitors. In fact, the overall number of visitors surpassed pre-pandemic levels, experiencing an impressive 80% growth. This surge in popularity clearly indicates the positive reception of TaiSPO’s strategic decision to expand horizontally across industries and seamlessly integrate both soft and hard elements.
Building on the success of the previous year, TaiSPO in 2024 will showcase a captivating lineup featuring three exciting themes: “Dynamic Fitness Society”, “Alternative Leisure Lifestyle,” and “Sports Tech Next Level”. These themes aim to highlight the diversity within the sports and fitness industry, the array of outdoor lifestyles available, and the boundless potential that technology brings to the sports ecosystem. To enhance the visual experience, the exhibition will introduce a fresh visual concept, incorporating the vibrant colors of “Energetic Light” and “Blue Ocean” that intertwine seamlessly. This choice of colors symbolises the dynamic change in body temperature during exercise. Moreover, polygonal lines will be employed to depict the multifaceted interactions between industries, underscoring the collective empowerment and growth within the sports and fitness sectors.
According to the Global Wellness Economy report, the global sports industry is projected to surpass a staggering value of US$1.1 trillion in 2023, with the Asia-Pacific region emerging as a key driver of high growth. The sports industry has witnessed a significant transformation due to the integration of cutting-edge technologies like the IoT and AI. To align with evolving industry trends and expand market presence for sports industry players, TaiSPO is poised to continue its transformative journey in the upcoming year, 2024. In addition to the existing seven sections encompassing “Indoor Fitness,” “Outdoor Sports,” “Water Sports,” “Health and Sports Fashion,” “All Age Fitness,” “Sports Tech,” and “Sports Marketing and Services,” new sections will be introduced to enhance the diversity of the exhibition. These new additions include “Intelligence Sites,” “Golf,” and “Glamping.”
By incorporating forums, lectures, group activities, and outdoor experiential opportunities, TaiSPO will once again serve as an annual platform for professionals within the sports and fitness industry to engage, establish networks, and discover the finest domestic and international sales channels and partnerships for Taiwanese businesses.
TaiSPO 2024 is scheduled to take place at Hall 2 of Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from March 6 to 9, 2024. Registration for the event will open on July 10th. For detailed information about the exhibition, please visit the official website: https://www.taispo.com.tw
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Over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years (43.7% or 8.6 million people) have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life, 21.4% of people have had a mental illness that has lasted 12 months. This number is increasing in the younger generation with 39.6% of Australians between the ages of 15-24 having a 12-month mental illness. This is truly unacceptable, and something has to be done about this yet only 1 in 10 young Aussies seek help.
The Mental Wheels Foundation has made it its mission to understand how to improve mental health through positive actions and research; The Foundation supports the community through the promotion of accessible clinical programs and Mental Wheel of Life Workshops. Partnering MQ Health in research projects and treatment through MindSpot (a free mental online health clinic).
To raise much needed funds, The Mental Wheels Foundation has launched the ‘Sit-Up Challenge’. To take part in the Challenge participants will be doing 66 sit-ups every day for 21 days, this not only helps to improve the participants mental health through physical exercise but will also raise money and awareness. The challenge will take place from September 1.
To rally people to take action, the challenge aims to break a world record! The most people doing sit-ups simultaneously, the current world record set on 17th of November 2016 sits at 2,005 people simultaneously doing sit-ups. The Mental Wheels Foundation plans to beat this – but we need your support in order to do so.
There will also be an in-person challenge held in Sydney, Brisbane and Port Macquarie on Saturday September 2.
If you ever do find yourself suffering from mental illness and feel it is affecting, you in a negative way please reach out for support from someone you trust and if you don’t feel like there is someone you can trust, seek support through one of these helplines:
Did you know that there are currently 41,000* people trapped in modern slavery in Australia?
Can you imagine your workplace, your school or your local club advocating for human rights and wanting to do something practical to embrace change?
Everyone can take action to help victims of slavery in Australia, and it starts with just a $5 donation towards The Freedom Hub’s Survivor School (Fivers for Survivors).
The Freedom Hub, an Australian registered charity announces its annual ‘Fivers for Survivors’ campaign to align with the United Nations (UN) Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July 2023 in support of survivors of modern slavery.
The ‘Fivers for Survivors’ campaign has three goals:
to drive awareness about modern slavery and human trafficking,
to engage communities to look out for one another,
to support victims of slavery by donating $5 towards the The Freedom Hub Survivor School.
The Freedom Hub will provide free tool kits and resources to encourage schools, clubs, businesses or organisations to organise their own awareness campaigns about modern slavery and human trafficking. The tool kit contains all the necessary resources, videos, materials, and guidelines to facilitate a successful fundraising event, plus facilitates tips on effective community engagement.
Awareness campaigns can be fun and enjoyable for example wearing a silly hat for the day or hosting a walk, whichever that can engage your group or community. What’s important is the positive engagement of participants while broaching a very serious topic because their support helps get essential services to survivors, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Anyone who is interested to know more or contribute as a volunteer is invited to visit The Freedom Hub during the ‘Fivers for Survivors’ week from 24-31 July 2023 or arrange for a representative from the Freedom Hub to come to your school, club, business, or organisation to speak about the issues surrounding modern-day slavery for a nominal donation fee.
Caption: Sally Irwin, Founder of The Freedom Hub (Photo credit: TheFreedomHub.org)
Founded by social entrepreneur Sally Irwin to fill the gap in specialised long-term care for survivors of modern slavery, The Freedom Hub’s Cafe in Waterloo, Sydney and Ethical Business Services fund the organisation’s administration, meaning 100% of all donations go directly to supporting survivors.
“Once a survivor has escaped their situation, they will have to wait four to five years before their court case is heard – that’s long enough for people’s lives to be destroyed even further than what they’ve already been through. In addition, their mental and physical health usually deteriorates; they can find it impossible to trust anyone or function within society,” said Irwin.
“That’s where The Freedom Hub’s Survivor School comes in; we help them rebuild their lives to live independently and successfully. A small donation can bring impact for survivors, and that’s what ‘Fivers for Survivors’ is all about.
Together, we can make a massive difference, and everyone can be a part of it from as little as $5, and every cent goes directly to survivors,” said Irwin.
Register your event, donate, and read more about Fivers for Survivors on our website:
